Catch Your Breath at Piaule Catskill Hotel asked its guests to see running and rest as inseparable, to treat sport as ritual and wellness as something collective. For me, it was an opportunity to step outside the city with good people and into intention, to take a moment and to return a little lighter.
On Jim Beam and Cadillac:
Valtteri Bottas — I was excited when I learned about it because I'm actually a whiskey guy. I like having a whiskey after dinner every now and then, especially bourbon. Cadillac and Jim Beam are both iconic American brands, and the branding and style are quite aligned. There's also a great story about Jim Beam himself driving a Cadillac and carrying his yeast.
On Finding Balance:
VB — I feel like there are a lot of contrasts in my life. These weekends are so hectic, busy and noisy. When I have time off, I always find myself searching for the opposite. I try to wind down, get out into nature and maybe have a Jim Beam by myself.
On the Mullet:
VB — Honestly, it’s just me. Getting the mullet for the first time was kind of a joke. I thought I’d give it a go, made a little video about it and then started to like it. Combined with the mustache, I just liked it. It really wasn’t planned. It just happened. Now it’s almost my trademark, so I guess I have to be like this forever.
On Life in Formula 1:
VB — As a kid dreaming of becoming a Formula 1 driver, I thought you went to the races and drove your car. That’s the main thing. But I’ve learned that the driving is actually the smallest part of what we do, time-wise. There are technical meetings, sponsor commitments, fan meetings and so many other things. I had no idea about all of that, but I’m not complaining. I just didn’t know. Through this journey, I’ve also learned so much about myself. You go through ups and downs, travel a lot, and it’s been quite a journey.
On Where He’d Like to See F1 Race Next in America:
VB — I would go a little more off-grid. One place we always visit is Aspen, so I’d say Aspen in the summer. How cool would that be? But if it has to be a city, then for sure New York.
On the Perfect Road Trip partner, dead or alive:
VB — If I can’t pick Tiffany, I’d probably pick my best friend from Finland. Finns are normally pretty quiet, so they don’t talk all the time.
On What brings him back to Austin:
VB — It’s the vibe of the town and the people. It’s definitely a bit weird, which is cool. There’s so much to offer when it comes to food, and even cycling is quite nice here. I ride my bike a lot, so once you get out of town, there are some good routes.
It's the variety and how much the city changes every year. I’ve been coming here for 13 years, I think, and every year it feels like a different town from when I first started visiting. It never stops. I feel like it’s always alive. The live music is really cool, too.
On Building Cadillac’s Future:
VB — I can already be proud of being part of this team from the start and helping create it. Being part of the journey from the very beginning is great. We’re not here to be last. We want to eventually win races, and that might take some time. I hope people remember that I’m one of the OGs at the Cadillac F1 team. I was actually the first driver who signed, which is pretty cool.
If you could give flowers to one former teammate and one current U.S. player, who’s getting them?
Former teammate: Michael Bradley, our captain, never gets enough flowers
current player: Chris Richards
What's something you always travel with?
crossword puzzle
This installation is literally about giving the USMNT their flowers. What's the nicest compliment you've ever received that has stuck with you?
"thank you for making me a soccer fan"
Watching the U.S. team prepare for a World Cup, what emotions come up for you?
fear, anxiety, joy
What's something you've changed your mind about recently?
changed my mind about Cape Verde after the result the other day
What U.S. city has the craziest soccer fans?
NYC
If your career had a soundtrack, what artist or album would it be?
Nas- Illmatic
What's home to you?
my kids
